Maine native Matthew Kenney plans new restaurant in Belfast

Matthew Kenney, the Maine native who transformed himself into a celebrity chef in the world of high-end, plant-based cuisine, is opening a new venture in Belfast called Arata.

The restaurant will be located in “The Gothic,” a Victorian building at 108 Main St., and will open over Memorial Day weekend. Chef Scott Winegard, director of culinary operations for Matthew Kenney Cuisine, will be in charge of the menu.

This year Kenney, who grew up in Searsport, also launched Plant Food + Wine, a restaurant focusing on raw foods, in Miami and a new plant-based pizza restaurant called 00+Co in New York City’s East Village. Plant Cafe, Kenney’s first restaurant outside of North America, is scheduled to open in Bahrain in 2017.

In a press release, Kenney said that Arata will be a place “to test new ideas, experiment and continuously innovate within the category.”

Some of the dishes that will be on the menu include Smoked King Oyster Buns; Arata Ramen with Pulled Mushrooms, Grilled Bok Choy, Sea Palm and Carrot Cashew; and Kimchi Pancakes with Bibb Lettuce, Sesame, Chili Sauce and Pickled Vegetables. The restaurant also will have a wine and cocktail program.